Union Strikes Shut Down Parts of India

Millions of striking workers brought parts of India to a standstill Tuesday as they protested price hikes and alleged anti-labor policies.

Leftist trade unions called the nationwide day-long strike to express building anger and frustration over the rising cost of living and plans by government to disinvest from public sector companies.

The strikes, which only materialized in the eastern state of West Bengal and the southwestern state of Kerala, shut down schools, shops, banks and disrupted some airline flights. About one million bank employees joined in the work stoppage.

Tuesday's demonstrations come two months after main opposition parties led a one-day strike over fuel prices hikes, leaving some regions at a similar standstill. Inflation in India has been nearing double digits in recent months.